Roman Kozak knows his history.
He is a high school history and social studies teacher, also serves as chairman of the Beaver County Republican Committee, and is the grandson of four Nazi labor camp survivors who immigrated to the United States after World War II and found work in western Pennsylvania.
“Here they found their life. They found a job here. They found community here and were part of the post-World War II boom that built this country and really helped restore order to the world,” he told the Capital-Star.
Kozak also has experience in the Pennsylvania General Assembly, previously serving as an aide to former State Representative Jim Christiana and serving as campaign chairman for two successful state representative campaigns.
When State Rep. Jim Marshall (R-Beaver) in November 2023, he announced that he would not run for a ninth termKozak stepped up and became the only Republican on the ballot in the 14th House District. He defeated Democrat Kenya Johns to maintain Republican control.
Kozak cited “basic kitchen table issues” as the reason he decided to run.
“I believe Pennsylvania is on the wrong track, and there is a reason why we have one of the worst net population losses in the country. “I think it’s because we’re not competitive,” he said.
His trouble side campaign website lists some typical Republican issues that Kozak supports: school choice; lower taxes and less regulation; supporting law enforcement and defending the Second Amendment.
When Kozak is sworn in, Democrats will have a one-seat majority in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He believes there are “enough common-sense Democrats” who are willing to cooperate on a wide range of issues, including authorizing reforms and regulations and support for school vouchers, which he and other supporters have called “Lifeline Scholarships“
According to Kozak, the 14th Legislative District covers northern and eastern Beaver County and includes both urban and rural regions.
This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
Capital-Star: Tell me a little about your neighborhood and what makes it unique.
Cossack: These river valley communities that exist here along the Beaver River generally have a more urban, diminutive town feel, but as you move 10-15 minutes up the hill you hit the suburbs and rural areas.
What’s unique about this book is that it really describes many of the great things about Pennsylvania. We have these diminutive river towns that were once industrial, boom towns that are looking to redevelop and revitalize, and rural towns, farming communities that are a significant part of who we are as Pennsylvania, so to have all of that in this district is something that allows me to highlight what’s critical to the majority of Pennsylvanians and the economy that really drives this place and keeps it going for a very long time.
Capital-Star: What would you describe as the most pressing issue in your district?
Cossack: Economics without a doubt and I mean affordability.
So last year I spent hundreds of hours knocking on the doors of over 9,000 voters and overall, the most critical issue was the local economy, and not just, you know, it was the economy in general in terms of the cost of groceries, things that affect everyone throughout the country. But it was also about affordability, property taxes, housing prices, job opportunities. Many people felt that this area was missing out on some of the opportunities that other places were gaining, and they wanted their children and grandchildren to stay here, just like me.
Capital-Star: What will be your top legislative priorities when you take the oath of office? Do you plan to introduce any specific laws?
Cossack: I mean, for us in Pennsylvania, it’s really about being competitive with the states around us. First of all, we need to get out of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. This is the ball in the chain regarding our energy industry and the future of our energy industry. We need to support our energy industry. This really will be a significant part of the economic engine that can drive more growth in Pennsylvania.
We need enabling reform. We need to change the rules. Sometimes it takes producers several years to obtain permits here, while in another state, another state near us, it may take just a few months to obtain the same permits.
Our tax rates need to be more competitive overall compared to other states. When we look around the country and compare ourselves to others, we simply do not compete in these areas, and in fact, over-regulation and permitting is a major problem for us.
Capital-Star: Are there any other specific pieces of legislation you hope to introduce?
Cossack: Another thing I am very passionate about is education and expanding opportunities for children. So for me, educational opportunities and educational choices for our families, and giving parents more control over their children’s education is something I’m also looking forward to.
